GCSE Biology Higher Tier

About This Course

Our online GCSE Biology Higher Tier course will help you learn the important content required to pass your GCSE exam. Designed for students aspiring to pursue A-Level Biology, enter biology-related fields, or simply expand their knowledge.

This course covers a wide range of topics, including cell biology, human biology, genetics, ecology, and more. It provides students with a solid understanding of biology and its relevance to the world around them.

The GCSE Biology Higher Tier is a more challenging version of the GCSE Biology Foundation Tier. It covers more in-depth content, and is suitable for students who have a strong interest in biology or plan to pursue science-related subjects in the future. Students taking the Higher Tier course will be able to achieve grades in the range of 4-9 (with 9 being the highest). It’s intended for students who find Biology straightforward and are looking for more in-depth study.

Throughout your learning journey, you will be supported every step of the way by our experienced personal tutors, who will be there to provide guidance, feedback, and vital exam advice.

Now you can achieve your GCSEs from the comfort of home, without the pressures of classrooms, assignments, and quizzes!

You are able to complete this course without the exams and practical elements, however, sitting them is essential for the full GCSE Biology qualification.

Please note that the Higher Tier has a maximum grade of 9. Students aiming for grades 1-5 can take a look at our GCSE Biology Foundation course.

Course Benefits

Over 8 units, you will expand your knowledge of Biology, so you can achieve the theoretical knowledge you need to pass your exams.

This course will allow you to:

• Achieve an AQA GCSE Biology Higher Tier Qualification
• Access support and feedback from our exam experts, who will offer you feedback and support
• Study for your GCSE from the comfort of home, at your own pace

Course Units

Qualification Number: 8461

Unit 1: Cell Biology

• Cell Structure and Function
• Microscopes and Cell Division (Mitosis and Meiosis)

Unit 2: Organisation 

• The Human Circulatory System
• The Human Respiratory System
• The Digestive System
• Enzymes and Digestion
• The Human Excretory System

Unit 3: Infection and Response

• Communicable Diseases and Pathogens
• The Immune System and Vaccination
• Antibiotics and Drug Resistance

Unit 4: Bioenergetics 

• Photosynthesis
• Cellular Respiration
• Energy transfers in living organisms

Unit 5: Homeostasis and Response

• The Nervous System and Control of Body Functions
• The Endocrine System and Hormones
• Homeostasis and Negative Feedback Mechanisms

Unit 6: Inheritance, Variation, and Evolution

• DNA, Genes, and Chromosomes
• Genetic Inheritance (Punnett Squares, Genetic Crosses)
• Genetic Mutations
• Natural Selection and Evolution

Unit 7: Ecology

• Ecosystems and Interdependence
• Biotic and Abiotic Factors
• Adaptations and Food Webs
• Human Impact on the Environment

Unit 8: Key Ideas 

• The Scientific Method and Experimental Design
• The Use of Models in Biology
• The Role of Ethics in Science

Assessment

In order to achieve your Biology GCSE, you will need to pass two written exams, as well as a practical examination. These will need to be completed under the supervision of an examiner at an exam centre. There is a separate fee for the examinations, which are paid directly to the exam centre at the time of booking. We’ll assist you in the booking of your exams when you’re ready (We recommend booking early on to ensure your place). Exams will occur in May and June.

Paper 1

This is a written exam, and will take 1 hour and 45 minutes. It’s worth 50% of your total GCSE mark. The exam assesses units 1-4 (Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and Response, and Bioenergetics)

Paper 2 

This is a written exam and will take 1 hour and 45 minutes. Similar to paper 1, it is weighted as 50% of your marks. In this paper, you will be assessed on units 5-8 (Homeostasis and Response, Inheritance, Variation and Evolution, and Ecology, and Key Ideas).

Practical Assessment

Practicals are required to achieve this qualification but if you are unable to participate, you can enrol on the IGCSE Biology instead. In this qualification, you would not be required to complete the practicals, however examination is still required.

Required Knowledge

You do not need to have achieved any qualifications or knowledge in this area in order to enrol. However, as this is the Higher Tier version of the GCSE Biology course, we recommend students have an understanding of their performance within the field, so they can make the most educated choice of course tier for themselves.

Awarding Body

Support

When you enrol in GCSE courses with us, you are embarking on a learning journey in which you will be supported every step of the way.

We recognise that studying for examinations can be stressful, but don’t worry; we are devoted to giving you all the assistance you require to succeed.

Our study guides and materials have been designed to make GCSE preparation as enjoyable and accessible as possible. Our personal tutors and support team will be available to provide support, advice, and feedback.

To help you consolidate your learning, we give a variety of self-assessment tasks and tutor-marked study questions, and our tutors will work with you to lead and mentor you to success.

We believe that no student should feel alone in their studies, and our team is dedicated to providing you with the assistance you need to reach your full potential.